This is a fine presentation of the little-known research work of museums. The
story follows an archeologist sent to search for the remains of a 400-year-old
Spanish mission on an island off the coast of Georgia. An extensive reading of the
literature to determine what was already known about the mission is described as
the crucial first step, followed by a brief initial trip to the island. Notes on the
"randomized systematic survey" are given to show where excavation efforts
would be concentrated; magnetometer data are also included and show three
promising areas. Photographs of the careful excavation with hand trowels show
the reader three buildings and thousands of artifacts. The painstaking preservation
and study of the artifacts by experts provide much new information about East
Coast missions and the Guala Indians, whom the island mission served. This little
book will spark the interest of many young readers in archaeology as a career or
hobby.-- Edmund C. Bray, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Cooke presents the reader with a simple, well-written introduction to the field
of archaeology. The book defines the subject and describes some of the basic
techniques currently used in working on the land and under water. Examples of
some of the better known historical finds are briefly described. The text is
illustrated with numerous well-labeled photographs and drawings. There is also
a glossary of terms. Unfortunately, in the bibliography, most of the books
mentioned are for older readers. There is very little else currently available on this
reading level.-- Barbara Roberts, District of Columbia Public Library, Washington, DC

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